Nccc-9 Meeting Minutes

NCCC-9 Meeting Minutes

MWPS: Research and Extension Educational Materials

May 10-11, 2010

Comfort Suites Hotel, Council Bluffs, IA

Administrative Advisor:Chair:Vice-Chair:Secretary:

Gerald A. MillerTom SchererSteve PohlLingying Zhao

Iowa State UniversityNDSUSDSUOhio State University Dept 7620

132 Curtiss HallBox 6050Box 2120, ABE Dept.590 Woody Hayes Dr.

Ames, IA 50011-1050Fargo, ND 58108Brookings, SD 57007Columbus, OH 43210

Members in attendance:

Ted Funk, University of Illinois Tom Scherer, North Dakota State University

Jay Harmon, Iowa State UniversityRick Stowell, University of Nebraska

Brian Holmes, University of Wisconsin Joe Zulovich, University of Missouri

Kathy Walker, MWPS, Iowa State UniversityGerald Miller, NC region, Iowa State University

Members absent:

Yuanhui Zhang (IL), Steve Hoff and Hongwei Xin (IA), Joe Harner (KS), Kevin Janni and Bill Wilcke (MN), Ken Hellevang (ND), Randall Reeder and Lingying Zhao, (OH), Dick Nicolai and Steve Pohl (SD), and David Kammel (WI)

Committee chair Tom Scherer opened the meeting at 1:05 p.m., Monday, May 12.

A motion was made by Brian Holmes and seconded by Joe Zulovich to approve the minutes with a few minor corrections noted. Motion carried.

Administrative Report, Dr. Gerald Miller:

Dr. Jerry Miller noted that he will transition into retirement upon completion of his current interim administrative role at ISU, which means that NCCC-9 will have a new administrative advisor next year.

He reported that the NIFA’s current AFRI RFA was attracting much interest in terms of receiving many letters of intent to submit full proposals, while there will be comparatively few proposals funded. He presented a scenario that projected a 5-10% funding rate. He explained how current-year funds were ‘committed’ whereas funding for projects in upcoming years was not assured.

Dr. Miller described a few multi-state Extension programming arrangements that have been put into place during the past year to facilitate state specialists conducting species-specific (or topical) programs for other states. One such arrangement has the University of Nebraska leading beef extension programming for Iowa, while IowaStateUniversity leads the development of swine extension programs for Nebraska, under an MOU between the two universities. Another arrangement involves ISU, SDSU and UNL dairy extension specialists collaborating to deliver dairy programs in the three states. Members in attendance described other multi-state arrangements that are in place. There was general agreement that it is preferable when specialists conduct multi-state programs in the absence of formal arrangements, but it was recognized that some arrangements may require an MOU.

When asked about the status/future of eXtension, he responded that, while there are mixed viewpoints, significant progress has been made in eXtension technology and base budgetary support is being committed to eXtension.

Jerry noted that NCCC-9 is in the first year of the 5-year renewal. NCCC-9 needs to stay focused on achievement of our project objectives. There is a continuing, but evolving need for our publications. NCCC-9 needs to remain open to serving nontraditional audiences and delivering information in new [electronic] media. Follow-up discussion noted that several ongoing multi-state activities were conceived at or as a result of discussion at an NCCC-9 meeting. Progress in these areas needs to be reflected in state reports and NCCC-9 impact reports.

Jerry noted that maintaining participation is a challenge for NCCC-9. Attendance appears to be limited more by timing / time limitations than lack of funds, although obtaining funds to participate is a challenge for some.

Subsequent discussion on AFRI:

Committee members identified a number of strengths and limitations of the current AFRI RFA. Proposed ideas for future AFRI RFAs generally involved:

-Greater emphasis on environmental concerns and sustainability;

-Keep focus on integrated projects;

-Efforts to include Extension are positive, so retain that emphasis.

The resulting action plan was to send an e-mail to NCCC-9 to determine priorities; send a draft to Extension Ag Engineers for their input; and pass revised/resulting document on to identified NIFA contact (Joe Z. and Rick S.)

Current-Year Activities, Outcomes & Impacts:

(Consolidated and condensed notes are reported here. See appendices for additional information and details.)

Designated efforts from 2009 meeting:

Jay Harmon reported that he and Dwaine Bundy developed an outline (handout) for the building design specifications handbook. Numerous photographs are available for use in the handbook as a result of last winter’s storms. We will need to obtain funds to cover all development costs. Grinnell and other insurance companies may be interested in supporting this effort, especially if we combine it with the manure foaming situation in deep-pit livestock barns.

Brian Holmes reported that several chapters of the Dairy Freestall Housing and Equipment Handbook (MWPS-7) were reviewed and now ready for publication. Following discussion by the committee, the decision was made to place all new material on a CD and market as a saleable product.

Other efforts consistent with NCCC-9 mission and objectives:

Ted Funk reported on aggressive efforts made in Illinois to promote the Horse Handbook at equine meetings and events.

Joe Zulovich reported Missouri county Extension faculty are using the Living on Acreages (MWPS-50) and Private Water Systems (MWPS-14) handbooks regularly in delivering local educational programs.

Joe Zulovich (MO) reported that – due to increasing demand by small/organic operations – old poultry housing drawings have been converted into Illustrator digital images.

Joe Zulovich also reported that most of the drawings from the ventilation handbook series (MWPS 32-34) have been converted into Illustrator digital images. This will become especially useful as MWPS-32 is now out of print.

The ventilation workshop team (IA, SD, NE and MN) secured funding from the Iowa Pork Producers Association ($18,000) and the Minnesota Pork Board ($6,000) to construct and equip a new mobile ventilation laboratory. Donations from commercial equipment suppliers are being pursued as well. Five or six ventilation workshops have been held in the Midwest this year using the existing facilities.

A team (MN, IL, IA, NE and SD) formed last fall to address manure foaming and building explosion concerns. The team worked together to develop news releases highlighting the associated hazards and recommended safety measures. Some emergency funds were obtained (MN) to begin studying the cause of foaming, preliminary research is underway (IL and MN), and the team is seeking additional funding.

Ted Funk reported on new collaborative work (IL, SD and KY) on biofilter design.

Jay and Rick highlighted continuing work on the Greener Pig Barn project – a collaborative effort (MN, IA, NE and SD) to design the next-generation pig barn.

Ted also highlighted the continued and successful use by Illinois livestock producers of the web-based Illinois Manure Management Plans project and the LPES Curriculum in developing environmental management plans.

Illinois has produced a tool called ‘EZ Regs’ to assist Illinois livestock producers in complying with state and federal regulations.

A fact sheet series on covers for manure storages has been developed by MN.

Rick Stowell reported that the Air Quality Education in Animal Agriculture (AQEAA) project [NE, MN, KS, SD, IA, IN, IL, OH, and MI] facilitates development of the Air Quality web section of the Animal Manure Management eXtension website. Five air quality webinars were produced this year. An Odor Issues and Control video was also developed (NE and LA).

Jay Harmon (IA) reported receiving funds to produce energy efficiency fact sheets.

Tom Scherer reported spending considerable time correcting small mistakes in the Private Water Systems handbook (MWPS-14) to get it ready for the second printing.

Tom also noted that alternative energy sources are an integral part of the North Dakota energy efforts and many questions are received on solar applications. Many organizations and individuals have been referred to the Low Temperature & Solar Grain Drying Handbook (MWPS-22) - the last two sections usually contain the information many people desire.

Brian Holmes said that in Wisconsin news releases and presentations were developed to address the issues of grain harvest and storage in a fall harvest season delayed due to late planting and a cold growing season followed by a wet period. MWPS publications related to grain drying and storage were used and recommended.

Prospective Opportunities:

There was support for updating the Farm Buildings Wiring Handbook (MWPS-28) to include changes in the National Electrical Code. Brian will communicate with Doug Reineman to contact Laverne Stetson and MREC about this.

The Iowa Learning Farm is undertaking efforts in environmental issues under Jerry DeWitt’s leadership.

Tom Scherer reported that there is a need for ‘management-focused’ materials based upon feedback from ‘Ag systems management’ courses – especially for grain driers and energy conservation.

Ted Funk reported on the EZregs website – a tool developed and being used in Illinois to identify environmental regulations that pertain to specific agricultural and horticultural operations. There was interest in having other state-specific versions of EZregs produced.

There appears to be significant potential to influence operators of small farms and horse stables regarding composting. This audience is a prospective outlet for related MWPS products.

Ted noted that the IL NRCS is looking to Extension to facilitate training of technical service providers (TSP), which will likely involve use of MWPS materials.

Ted also reported that oil spill response plans will be federally (EPA) required later this year. Committee feedback confirmed that we should pursue developing a web-based tool for developing these plans. Ted agreed to draft a proposal and send it to NCCC-9 representatives along with an associated EPA news release, both of which are to be directed to state organizations, such as Farm Bureaus, to garner funding for developing the tool.

The biomass working group is meeting this month to work on market-development opportunities.

Joe Zulovich reported that the University of Missouri hired David Brune to work in the energy/digester area and Teng Lim to work on air quality, emissions, and odor modeling.

NCCC-9 should pursue bringing a group together to discuss a regionally relevant topic on an annual basis and build NCCC-9 capacity over time. Prospective ideas included vegetative treatment systems and biofuels.

Areas that were discussed that have future growth potential: Small farms and solar heating. The committee decided to promote using material in existing resources – at least until expertise/authors for new materials are identified.

We should develop a document that outlines MWPS publication capabilities (editing & formatting, review, distribution, etc.) for collaborating major (AFRI-like) projects and share with directors.

MWPS HQ report:

Refer to Appendix A for more detailed information.

Kathy Walker reported that MWPS published two items this year and adopted three recent NRAES publications for sale as new materials. She presented noteworthy sales trends and highlighted the inventory status of publications.

MWPS produced a print-on-demand (pdf) catalog this year, and distributed it in association with a news release on new publications. The intent behind the streamlined catalog is to continue to move customers directly to the MWPS website and wean them from using more-expensive hard-copy catalogs. MWPS is also offering package and box specials to move product, especially older / high-inventory items. Other marketing notes were to update the website regularly and to highlight acreages.

Jay Harmon gave the financial summary for MWPS. Net income is down from 2008-09 as sales of publications have fallen on an industry-wide basis. This has placed additional emphasis on reducing expenses. Printing and shipping costs are the main expenses for MWPS now, so MWPS is evaluating measures that can reduce these costs.

Specific opportunities posed for MWPS HQ:

-Create a Private Water Systems educational package by packaging MWPS-14 with a DVD on well and septic system topics (8 separate video segments) produced by Montana State University for the Region 8 Water Quality group (Tom Scherer).

-The AQEAA project is producing a series of six videos addressing air quality issues. Rick Stowell proposed distributing the video series via MWPS.

-Produce and sell more publications as downloadable pdf.

State Rep. Priorities for 2010-11:

Harmon (IA): Follow-up with Dwaine Bundy and Builder’s Guide

Holmes (WI):Continue progress of MWPS-7

Follow-up with David Kammel about Wiring Handbook

Scherer (ND):Maintain [quarterly] NCCC-9 communication

Stowell (NE):Lead Extension climate change effort

Follow-up with Ted Funk on oil spill letter

Zulovich (MO):Follow-up on converting poultry drawings for MWPS use

Continue work on MWPS-32-34

Committee Representation and Elections:

Contact Kevin Janni to see who may represent MN.

Ted Funk was nominated as secretary. An e-mail ballot was conducted and Ted Funk was unanimously elected secretary.

Officers for F11 are: Steve Pohl, chair; Lingying Zhao, chair-elect; Ted Funk, secretary; Tom Scherer, past-chair

A poll will be conducted of representatives with the following options:

-Last half of February

-Mid-May

-Early June

Ted moved to adjourn (Joe Z. seconded). Meeting was adjourned at noon.

SignedSigned Signed .

Richard R. StowellTom SchererGerald A. Miller

NCCC-9 Acting SecretaryNCCC-9 ChairNCCC-9 Administrative Advisor

NCCC-9 Accomplishments and Impacts

Reported at 2010 NCCC-9 meeting

Accomplishments

Outcomes:

The ventilation workshop team (IA, SD, NE and MN) secured funding from the Iowa Pork Producers Association ($18,000) and the Minnesota Pork Board ($6,000) to construct and equip a new mobile ventilation laboratory.

A regional team (MN, IL, IA, NE and SD) worked together to develop news releases highlighting the hazards (e.g. building explosions) associated manure foaming and recommend safety measures.

Outputs:

MWPS published two products: Installation of Wastewater Treatment Systems (CIDWT-Installer), 2009, 464 pp. and Private Water Systems (MWPS-14), Fifth edition, 2009, 144 pp.

The Air Quality Education in Animal Agriculture (AQEAA) project [Incl. NE, LA, PA, MN, KS, SD, IA, IN, IL, OH and MI] produced five air quality webinars that are viewable on-demand at < AQEAA is an AFRI-funded project that was originally conceived at an NCR/NCCC-9 meeting.

Milestones:

Develop feedback document on AFRI program [By August 2010].

Assess the authorship (i.e. Laverne Stetson) and funding (e.g. MREC) potentials for updating the Farm Buildings Wiring Handbook (MWPS-28) to include recent changes in the National Electrical Code [By Septtember 2010].

Pursue bringing a group together to discuss a regionally relevant topic to help build NCCC-9 capacity [By November 2010].

Impacts

County Extension faculty in Missouri are using the Living on Acreages (MWPS-50) and Private Water Systems (MWPS-14) handbooks regularly in delivering local educational programs.

Private Water Systems (MWPS-14) was the source material for several presentations by members of the Region 8 Water Quality coordinating committee (North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana). MWPS-14 was also used as reference during flood control efforts across North and South Dakota. Private Water Systems was awarded a 2010 ASABE Blue Ribbon Award.

MWPS-developed materials on manure management continue to be used by livestock producers (200 to 500 a year in Illinois alone) in developing environmental management plans.

Dairy Freestall Housing and Equipment (MWPS-7) is used widely by UW County Extension faculty as a reference in their work while advising dairy producers. This publication was also used as a text in a Livestock Housing class in the UW Farm and Industry Short Course with about twenty-six students.

MWPS publications on grain drying, storage and handling serve as useful references for meeting the information needs following resurgence in on-farm grain handling questions.

MWPS resources (both new and existing) continue to be used effectively as course texts and reference materials in college courses. Wisconsin used MWPS materials in its state FFA contest.

Appendix A

Summary of MWPS Activities

Reported at 2010 NCCC-9 meeting

The following new materials were produced during the year:

• Installation of Wastewater Treatment Systems (CIDWT-Installer), 2009, 464 pp. This installer manual provides detailed explanations of the best standard practices for installation and startup of common treatment components. Installation of Wastewater Treatment Systems was developed by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT), with partial funding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Environmental Research Foundation (WERF).
• Private Water Systems (MWPS-14), Fifth edition, 2009, 144 pp. This book was written to help those people who depend on a private water system to develop and maintain a safe, adequate, and dependable water system to meet their needs, considering both domestic and farm water use. Awarded 2010 ASABE Blue Ribbon Award.

Newly adopted books:

• Wine Grape Production Guide for Eastern North America (NRAES-145), 2008, 336 pp. This guide is a comprehensive resource for novice and experienced growers, crop advisors, service providers, educators, and students. Topics include site selection and preparation, trellising and pruning, disease and pest identification, nutrient management, irrigation, pesticide application, harvesting, vineyard cost and returns, and grape sales. Also includes key to insect and mite pests of grapes.
• Crop Rotation for Organic Farms: A Planning Manual (NRAES-177), 2009, 156 pp. The purpose of this book is to help growers and farm advisors understand the management of crop rotations; avoid crop rotation problems; and use crop rotation to build better soil, control pests, and develop profitable farms that support satisfied families.
• Managing Alternative Pollinators (NRAES-186), 2010, 162 pp. This handbook is a first-of-its-kind, step-by-step, full-color guide for rearing and managing bumble bees, leafcutter bees, and other alternatives to honey bee pollinators. It combines scientific research with years of practical beekeeping experience.

Books currently in production: